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| United States Patent |
6,250,691
|
|
Taylor
, et al.
|
June 26, 2001
|
Tube/casting connector assembly
Abstract
A tube/casting assembly and method according to which an axially-projecting
cylindrical flange projects from one end of a tubular casting over which
an end portion of the conduit extends. A groove is formed in the casting
for receiving the end portion and a retainer secures the end portion of
the conduit in the groove.
| Inventors:
|
Taylor; Ken W. (Oak Ridge, NC);
Delsing; Jerker (Lulea, SE)
|
| Assignee:
|
Dresser Equipment Group, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
303015 |
| Filed:
|
April 30, 1999 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
285/305; 285/321 |
| Intern'l Class: |
F16L 055/00 |
| Field of Search: |
285/331,305
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 245263 | Aug., 1881 | Robb.
| |
| 2015786 | Oct., 1935 | Carcano | 285/331.
|
| 2090266 | Aug., 1937 | Parker | 285/331.
|
| 2652268 | Sep., 1953 | Goode | 285/331.
|
| 3181897 | May., 1965 | Krayenbuhl et al. | 285/331.
|
| 3933378 | Jan., 1976 | Sandford et al. | 285/331.
|
| 4146254 | Mar., 1979 | Turner et al. | 285/331.
|
| 4423891 | Jan., 1984 | Menges | 285/331.
|
| 4431218 | Feb., 1984 | Paul, Jr. et al. | 285/305.
|
| 4477109 | Oct., 1984 | Kleuver | 285/331.
|
| 4854615 | Aug., 1989 | Smith, III | 285/331.
|
| 5211427 | May., 1993 | Washizu | 285/23.
|
| 5267757 | Dec., 1993 | Dal Palu | 285/331.
|
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 211708 | Dec., 1940 | CH | 285/331.
|
| 483 591 | Feb., 1970 | CH.
| |
| 940 025 | Mar., 1956 | DE.
| |
| 203 612 | Oct., 1983 | DE.
| |
| 781 227 | May., 1935 | FR.
| |
| 1 289 274 | Feb., 1962 | FR.
| |
Primary Examiner: Nicholson; Eric K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An assembly comprising a conduit having a flared end portion, a tubular
casting having at least one opening extending through a wall thereof, an
axially-projecting cylindrical flange projecting from one end of the
casting and extending within the end portion of the conduit to support
same, an annular groove formed in the end of the casting, the end portion
of the conduit extending in the groove, and at least one pin extending
through the opening and engaging the flared end portion of the conduit for
securing the end portion of the conduit in the groove.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the casting is in the form of a tubular
member and wherein the groove is disposed radially outwardly from the
flange for receiving the end of the conduit and the pin.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the flange is cylindrical and further
comprising a bead formed on the conduit and extending around the flange,
and a seal ring disposed in the bead and engaging the flange.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the bead projects radially outwardly
from the conduit and wherein the seal ring is located radially inwardly
from the bead.
5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the bead projects radially inwardly from
the conduit and wherein the seal ring is located radially inwardly from
the bead.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the flange has a annular groove formed
therein, and further comprising a seal ring disposed in the groove and
projecting therefrom in engagement with the conduit.
7. The assembly of claim 1 where there is a first pair of openings formed
through the casting wall and a second pair of openings formed through the
latter wall diametrically opposed to the first pair of openings, and
wherein there are two pins respectively extending through the first and
the second pairs of openings and in engagement with the flared end of the
conduit.
8. An assembly comprising two conduits each having a flared end portion, a
tubular casting having at least two openings extending through a wall
thereof, an axially-projecting cylindrical flange projecting from each end
of the casting and within the end portion of a corresponding conduit to
support same, an annular groove formed in each end portion of the casting,
the end portion of each conduit extending in a corresponding groove, and
two pins respectively extending through the openings for securing the end
portion of the conduit in the groove.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein each casting is in the form of a tubular
member and wherein each groove is disposed radially outwardly from the
corresponding flange for receiving the end of the corresponding conduit
and the corresponding pin.
10. The assembly of claim 8 wherein each flange is cylindrical and further
comprising a bead formed on the each end portion of the conduit and a seal
ring extending in each bead and engaging the corresponding flange.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein each bead projects radially outwardly
from the corresponding conduit and wherein each seal ring is located
radially inwardly from the corresponding bead.
12. The assembly of claim 8 further comprising a seal ring disposed in the
groove and projecting therefrom in engagement with the conduit.
13. The assembly of claim 8 where there is a first pair of openings formed
through the casting wall and a second pair of openings formed through the
latter wall diametrically opposed to the first pair of openings, and
wherein there are two pins respectively extending through the first and
the second pairs of openings and in engagement with the flared end of the
conduit.
14. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the flanges are cylindrical and further
comprising a bead formed on each of the conduits, and a seal ring disposed
in each bead and engaging the corresponding flange.
15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the beads project radially outwardly
from the corresponding conduits and wherein the seal rings are located
radially inwardly from the corresponding respective beads.
16. The assembly of claim 1 where there is a pair of openings formed
through the casting wall and a second pair of opening formed through the
latter wall diametrically opposed to the first pair of openings, and
wherein there are two pins respectively extending through the first and
the second pair of openings and in engagement with the flared end of the
conduit.
17. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the flanges are cylindrical and further
comprising a bead formed on each of the conduits and a seal ring extending
in each bead and engaging the flange.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the beads projects radially outwardly
from their respective conduits and wherein the seal rings projects
radially inwardly from their respective beads.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a connector assembly and method for
connecting an end portion of a conduit to a relatively small casting, a
fitting, or the like; and, more particularly, to such an assembly and
method in which inexpensive components can be used, and welded or threaded
fasteners are eliminated.
Many techniques are known for connecting an end portion of a conduit to a
casting, a fitting or the like. One technique involves welding or
soldering collars onto or into the conduit end and the casting, and
clamping a flat packing between the collars by means of bolts which must
be forcefully tightened so as to achieve a satisfactory seal. In another
technique, conical sockets are welded/soldered to the conduit end and a
corresponding end of the casting, and the sockets are joined by means of
corresponding conical couplings. The couplings are interconnected by means
of bolts that are screwed through flanges, and sealing is effected by seal
rings arranged in grooves in the sockets.
The above prior art techniques require a large number of expensive
materials, such as copper, brass or steel, and are also labor intensive.
As a result, some techniques utilize less expensive material for the
conduit, such as aluminum, and provide the conduit and the casting with
protruding ends and coupling components which are die-cast and formed with
threads. However, these components must be precision machined since
relatively small tolerances are required for obtaining a satisfactory
seal. Also, the machining operation involves a risk that the die-cast
material contains pores, thereby causing leakage. Further, these
techniques often take up internal space in the conduit or casting, thus
reducing the effective inner flow area of the conduit. Finally, the
connectors are relatively rigid and are prone to leakage due to vibration
or shock.
Therefore what is needed is a connector assembly and method for connecting
a conduit to a casting, a fitting, or the like, in which inexpensive
components can be used, and welded or threaded fasteners are eliminated.
Also needed is an connector assembly and method of the above type
according to which there is no leakage and no reduction of the inner
cross-section of the conduit.
SUMMARY
Accordingly to an embodiment of the present invention an axially-projecting
cylindrical flange projects from one end of a tubular casting over which
an end portion of a conduit extends. A groove is formed in the casting for
receiving the end of the conduit, and a retainer secures the end portion
of the conduit in the groove.
The connector assembly and method of the present invention enables a
conduit to be connected in fluid flow communication with a casting or
fitting utilizing relatively inexpensive components and without the need
for welding or threaded fasteners. Also, there is no leakage and no
reduction of the inner cross-section of the conduit. Further, the flexible
nature of the joint and the seal is very resistant to vibration and shock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the assembly of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1 in an assembled
condition.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 are views, similar to FIG. 2, but depicting alternate
embodiments of the assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of another alternative embodiment of
the assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 5 in an assembled
condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 refers
to a conduit which is adapted to carry any type of fluid in a fluid
distribution system, or the like. The conduit 10 is provided with an
external annular bead 10a (FIG. 2) on one end portion thereof and the
latter end portion is flared radially outwardly. The bead 10a is formed
integrally with the conduit 10 in any known manner, such as by using an
appropriate forming die, or the like. It is understood that the other end
of the conduit 10 is connected to the fluid distribution system.
A seal ring 12, of an elastomeric material, fits inside the bead and is
sized so that the inner surface of the seal ring 12 projects slightly from
the inner surface of the conduit 10. The seal ring 12 functions to seal
against the leakage of fluid in a manner that will be described.
The above-mentioned flared end portion of the conduit 10 is adapted for
connection to a tubular casting, or fitting, 14. The casting 14 can be of
the type that is designed to form a part of the above-mentioned fluid
distribution system, and, as such, is fixed at its other end to a
container, a housing, a dispenser, or the like (not shown) for
distributing fluid thereto. For example, the casting 14 could be affixed
to a gasoline pumping unit at a gasoline service station.
The casting 14 has a cylindrical flange 14a extending from one end thereof,
and a circumferential groove 14b formed in the latter end immediately
adjacent the flange. The outer diameter of the flange 14a is slightly less
that the inner diameter of the conduit 10 so as to extend within the
conduit 10 in a fairly tight fit to support and align the conduit in a
coaxial relationship to the casting. The groove 14b of the casting 14 is
dimensioned so as to receive the flared end of the conduit 10 in a manner
to be described in detail.
A first pair of aligned openings 14c extend through the end portion of the
wall of the casting 14 adjacent the end thereof, and a second pair of
aligned, through openings 14d also extend through the wall of the casting
in a diametrically opposed relation to the openings 14c. The respective
pairs of openings 14c and 14d are coaxial with two imaginary lines (shown
by the phantom lines in FIG. 1) that respectively extend through two
imaginary chords formed through the casting 14. Two elongated pins 22a and
22b are adapted to extend through the pairs of openings 14c and 14d,
respectively, to secure the conduit 10 to the casting 14 in a manner to be
described.
To connect the conduit 10 to the casting 14, the seal ring 12 is placed in
the bead 10a of the conduit, and the conduit is advanced towards the
casting 14 until the flange 14a of the casting extends in the bore of the
conduit. The conduit 10 is advanced further until the flared end portion
of the conduit enters the groove 14b of the casting 14, and the end of the
conduit engages the bottom of the groove to locate the conduit relative to
the casting as shown in FIG. 2.
The two pairs pins 22a and 22b are then inserted though the pairs of
openings 14c and 14d, respectively, so that a segment of each pin extends
through diametrically opposed sections of the groove 14b just radially
outwardly from the flared end portion of the conduit 10 that extends in
the groove, as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the flared end portion of the
conduit 10 is captured in the groove 14b and the conduit is thus secured
to the casting 14. In this secured position, the seal ring 12 engages a
corresponding outer surface portion of the flange 14a to seal against
fluid leakage between the flange and the conduit 10.
Several advantages result from the foregoing. For example, inexpensive
components can be used, and welded or threaded fasteners are eliminated.
Also, there is no leakage and no reduction of the inner cross-section of
the conduit.
The embodiment of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 and identical
components are given the same reference numerals. According to the
embodiment of FIG. 3, a conduit 30 is provided having two internal beads
30a and 30b that define a space therebetween in which an elastomeric seal
ring 32 extends. The conduit 30 and the flange 14a are sized so that an
annular space is defined therebetween into which the beads 30a and 30b
extend. The inner diameters of the beads 30a and 30b are slightly greater
than the outer diameter of the flange 14a so that the flange is surrounded
by the beads in a fairly tight fit. As a result, the flange 14a supports
the conduit 10 in a coaxial relation to the casting 14. The seal ring 32
is sized so that its inner surface projects radially inwardly from the
beads 30a and 30b.
Thus, when the conduit 30 is connected to the casting 14 in the manner
described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
projecting portion of the seal ring 32 engages the corresponding outer
surface of the flange 14a of the casting 14 to establish a fluid seal.
Otherwise, the embodiment of FIG. 3 is identical to that of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1 and 2 and enjoys all of the advantages thereof.
The embodiment of FIG. 4 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and
to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and identical components are given the same
reference numerals. According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a conduit 36 is
provided which has an internal diameter that is only slightly greater than
the outer diameter of the flange 14a of the casting 14, as in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. A circumferential groove is formed in the
outer surface of the flange 14a that receives an elastomeric seal ring 38
that is sized so that its outer surface projects slightly radially
outwardly from the groove. Thus, when the conduit 36 is connected to the
casting 14 in the manner described above in connection with the embodiment
of FIGS. 1 and 2, the projecting portion of the seal ring 38 engages the
corresponding inner surface of the conduit 36 to establish a fluid seal.
Otherwise, the embodiment of FIG. 4 is identical to that of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-3 and enjoys all of the advantages thereof.
The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 and
includes a conduit 40 provided with an external annular bead 40a on one
end portion thereof. A seal ring 42, of an elastomeric material, extends
in the bead 10a and is sized so that its inner surface projects slightly
outwardly from the inner surface of the conduit, as in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
A casting 44 has a cylindrical flange 44a extending from the end thereof
that extends within the conduit 40 to support and align same in a coaxial
relationship to the casting, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.
According to this embodiment the end of the conduit 40 butts against the
end of the casting 44 as shown in FIG. 6, and a circumferential groove 44b
is provided in the outer surface of the casting 14 near the latter end.
The pins 22a and 22b of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are replaced by a
cylindrical clip 46 for securing the conduit 10 to the casting 14. To this
end, the clip 46 is sized so a portion of it extends over the latter end
portion of the conduit 40 and the bead 40a while the remaining portion
extends over the latter end of the casting 4 as viewed in FIG. 6. The clip
46 is U-shaped in cross-section with one of its legs 46a extending
radially inwardly and into the groove 44b of the casing 44, and with its
other leg 46b abutting an outer surface of the conduit 10, to secure the
conduit to the casting. Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 enjoys all
of the advantages of the previous embodiments while permitting use of a
different connector.
An embodiment for connecting two conduits in fluid communication through a
casting is shown in FIG. 7 and incorporates the components of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 which are given the same reference numerals.
According to the embodiment of FIG. 7, a casting 50 is provided which is
identical to the casting 14 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the
exception that it is provided with a flange 50a at one end that is
identical to the flange 14a of the casting 14, and an additional flange
50b at the other end that is also identical to the flange 14a. Two
circumferential grooves 50c and 50d are provided in the respective ends of
the casting 50 which are identical to the groove 14b of the casting 14.
An additional conduit 60 is provided that is identical to the conduit 10
and is connected to the casting 50 in the same manner as the conduit 10 is
connected to the casting 14 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. To this
end, the conduit 60 is fitted over the flange 50b of the casting 50 with
its flared end extending in the groove 50d. Two pairs of pins 62a and 62b
are provided that extend through corresponding openings in the casting 50
to secure the conduit 60 to the casting in the same manner as described in
connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.
To assemble the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7, the end portion of
the conduit 10 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 is fitted over the
flange 50a and is secured thereto by the pins 22a and 22b as described
above. Similarly, the end portion of the conduit 60 is fitted over the
flange 50b and is secured thereto by the pins 62a and 62b in the manner
discussed in connection with the latter embodiment.
The conduits 10 and 60 and the casting 50 together define a through bore,
and the embodiment of FIG. 7 thus enables the conduits 10 and 60 to be
connected together through the casting 50 in fluid flow communication and
yet enjoys all of the advantages of the previous embodiments outlined
above.
It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without
departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the specific
features of each embodiment can be used with the other embodiments. For
example, the clip 46 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be used in the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and 7; the seal arrangements of the embodiments
of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1,2, and
5-7, and any of the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5 can be adapted to connect two
conduits together through their respective castings as disclosed in the
embodiment of FIG. 7. Also, the two pins 22a and 22b can be replaced with
a single U-shaped pin with the legs of the latter pin extending the
openings 14c and 14d, respectively. Further, the single bead of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 can project radially inwardly from the
conduit, and the double bead of the embodiment of FIG. 3 can project
radially outwardly from the conduit.
It is understood that other modifications, changes and substitutions are
intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features
of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other
features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be
construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the
invention.
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